A specialist in both established and contemporary operatic works, Charles Rosekrans has conducted the works of Wagner, Saint-Saens, Puccini, Verdi, and Mozart with such regional companies as the Westchester Hudson Opera, Opera Carolina, and the Houston Grand Opera, where he conducted for 17 years. His repertory also extends into the more modern and unusual, including the premiere of Thomas Pastieri's The Seagull, and the first professional American operatic performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' folk opera Hugh the Drover. He has also conducted numerous orchestras, and was the founder of the Houston Chamber Orchestra. His recordings include a high portion of world premieres, including Cilea's L'Arlesiana and Mascagni's Lodoletta, as well as the first recording of Puccini's complete Madame Butterfly in all of its different versions and editions, recreating the never-before-recorded 1904 premiere version. ~ Bruce Eder